Odyssey
À propos de cet e-book
As ancient Greece lies in the shadow of the Trojan War, the valiant hero Odysseus embarks on a journey fraught with peril and adventure in Homer's epic tale. It explores themes of loyalty, perseverance, and the consequences of pride, while immersing readers in a world of gods and monsters, love and betrayal. Considered a founding work of Western literature. "The Odyssey" is an integral part of the Western literary canon, alongside its companion epic "The Iliad." Its influence extends beyond literature to art, music, theater, and film, shaping the cultural landscape for centuries.
Journey into a world of adventure, cunning, and divine intrigue with Homer’s The Odyssey, an epic tale that has captivated readers for millennia. This timeless masterpiece follows the legendary hero Odysseus as he struggles to return home to Ithaca after the fall of Troy.
For ten perilous years, Odysseus faces formidable challenges and encounters fantastical beings, from the enchanting sirens to the monstrous Cyclops, Polyphemus. Guided by his wits and aided by the gods, he navigates treacherous waters and hostile lands, all while yearning for the familiar shores of his homeland and the embrace of his faithful wife, Penelope.
The Odyssey is more than just a tale of adventure; it is a profound exploration of themes such as loyalty, perseverance, and the enduring power of hope. Homer’s narrative brings to life a richly textured world where mortals and immortals interact, showcasing the timeless struggle between fate and free will.
With its intricate plot, vivid characters, and lyrical beauty, The Odyssey remains a cornerstone of Western literature. Homer’s masterful storytelling not only transports readers to an ancient world of myth and legend but also resonates with universal truths about the human condition. This edition of The Odyssey invites new readers and returning fans alike to experience the epic journey that has inspired countless generations and continues to be a source of wonder and insight.
À propos de l'auteur
Homer, the legendary ancient Greek poet believed to have lived in the 8th century BCE, is revered as one of the greatest literary figures in history. Tradition holds that he was blind and composed his epic poems orally, passing them down through generations before they were eventually transcribed. Homer's storytelling prowess, rich symbolism, and exploration of timeless themes ensuring his enduring legacy as a literary titan of antiquity.
Homer, the legendary ancient Greek poet, is traditionally attributed as the author of two of the greatest epic poems of ancient Greece, the Iliad and the Odyssey. While precise details about Homer’s life remain shrouded in mystery, he is often depicted as a blind bard from Ionia, a region of central coastal Anatolia (modern-day Turkey). This lack of concrete biographical information has led to various scholarly debates, collectively known as the “Homeric Question,” regarding his existence and the authorship of the epics.
The Odyssey, one of Homer’s masterpieces, is an epic poem composed in dactylic hexameter, spanning 24 books and over 12,000 lines. It narrates the adventurous journey of Odysseus, the king of Ithaca, as he strives to return home after the Trojan War, facing numerous perils and challenges. The epic is not only a tale of adventure but also a profound exploration of themes such as perseverance, cunning, loyalty, and the human condition. His use of vivid imagery, poetic language, and symbolic storytelling adds depth and resonance to the narrative. Homer's epic poems are considered foundational texts of Western literature, influencing countless writers, poets, and thinkers across centuries.
The epic tradition to which Homer belongs is characterized by its oral nature. These poems were part of an oral tradition, passed down through generations by bards before being transcribed. This oral tradition is evident in the repetitive and formulaic nature of Homer’s verses, which would have aided memorization and recitation. Scholars believe that the Odyssey was composed in the 8th century BCE, although it was likely written down later.
The Odyssey also offers rich character development, particularly in its portrayal of Odysseus, whose intelligence and resourcefulness are his defining traits. Unlike the Iliad, which is centered on the theme of wrath and heroism in battle, the Odyssey focuses on the theme of nostos (homecoming) and the protagonist's longing to return to his family. This focus on personal and domestic concerns provides a contrasting, yet complementary, perspective on the human experience.
His works have been continuously studied, interpreted, and adapted over millennia, highlighting the timeless nature of the themes and stories he conveyed.
